"The law regulating the use and acquisition of firearms is contained
primarily within the Firearms Act 1968. Further provisions, however, are
to be found in an additional 33 Acts of Parliament. In total therefore,
to understand fully the law on firearms it is necessary to have regard
to 34 Acts of Parliament. In addition to these, the law is to be found
in numerous pieces of secondary legislation."

"Early fact finding with stakeholders suggested there was consensus on
those problems that cause the most difficulties in practice. In this
scoping consultation paper, the Law Commission sets out these problems
and makes some provisional proposals as to how they could be remedied.
By providing immediate solutions to these pressing problems, the aim is
to maximise public safety whilst also providing clarity and certainty
for members of the licensed firearms community."

"From discussions with stakeholders, it also became clear that there
are more fundamental problems with the law. These problems are
attributable to the fact the law has become increasing complex,
inaccessible and in some instances incoherent. Given that the Firearms
Act 1968 was a consolidating Act, many of its provisions have their
origin in older legislative provisions, such as the Pistols Act 1903. It
is questionable whether these remain fit for purpose in the 21st
century."

"It is for these reasons the Law Commission has also examined in this
scoping consultation paper whether more comprehensive reform of the law
is necessary. We conclude that the law is problematic and could be
improved. The consultation paper gives some examples of problems
stakeholders have brought to our attention which we believe could be
remedied by codifying the law."

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